Threads

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has launched Threads, a text-based app described as a Twitter rival.

The app, created by Meta, the company that owns Instagram, allows users to share ideas and trends using text, photos, videos, and links.

Threads leverages Instagram's massive user base of over 2 billion monthly active users, automatically connecting users with the same accounts they follow on Instagram. This move is seen as a challenge to Twitter, which has faced controversy under new owner Elon Musk. Dissatisfied users have sought alternatives like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Post.

Musk recently imposed limitations on the number of posts users can see on Twitter, citing data scraping and system manipulation concerns. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg's Meta has a history of launching and then shutting down apps like Slingshot, Paper, Rooms, and IGTV.

The relaunch of Threads comes amidst speculation of a potential rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg. The previous version of Threads was an Instagram companion app launched in 2019 but was discontinued after two years.